Something New

@ariesmellark

Aries Mellark || 18 || District Twelve Aries is the eldest child of Callie and Orion Mellark. Whilst he's protective of those he loves, he's also what could be considered morally grey. Calling him vain wouldn't be entirely untrue, as he spends most of his time in the gym and is always working on looking and being "better". If you don't find him there, you might find him at the docks where he likes to work his charm on the girls. Aries is not a big fan of his father- or not a fan at all. For a long time he's vowed to be better than his father. No, not a better person than him, but rather to be better than him at anything he's done. In doing so, he's become blind to the fact he is just like his father... perhaps worse.

129 posts

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

Taylor just allowed herself to be pulled into the hug without resisting. She rested her head against his chest before hesitantly returning the hug and wrapping her arms around him. It felt sort of weird having him try and comfort her when usually he just did a lot of shameless flirting. It was nice knowing he cared but she didn’t want him worrying.

"Telling him it’s wrong and he shouldn’t do it will just make matters worse you know that right?" she told him, shaking her head, "It’s something that would get that someone hurt when they don’t need to get hurt. So I say that it is not worth whatever the cost is and it should just be left alone."

He rested his head on top of hers, "It would be worth it to let him know someone is watching out for you." He murmured. He wasn't a glutton for punishment but he did think it was worth getting hurt in certain situations and this seemed like one of them. "Don't worry okay... I think it's worth it."

Of course, he probably didn't realise just how much he was biting off- he'd never seen her stepfather and didn't really think about how much bigger than him the man could be. But when he believed in something he did go for it and if there was something he was feeling passionate about right now- it was protecting her. A sensation he didn't get much outside of his own family (except Anya, but he'd never really seen her that upset) but he found it was growing with her.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW #he has no idea what he's getting himself into #both in telling sly where to go and in falling for her without really getting it xD

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

"No it isn’t!" Taylor was never one to argue but with this discussion topic, she wasn’t happy. She believed her words in thinking trying to talk some sense into her step-dad because she had dealt with this long enough and knew him well enough that an eighteen year old boy wasn’t going to be enough to fix things.

Taylor just wanted to scream at him to leave it alone but she knew that it most likely would not make him leave it alone but she also knew she didn’t want to say it was her step-dad because it was bad enough someone hit her but Aries would freak out even more if she said it was a relative, someone she should be trusting not to do something like this.

His voice got softer and the use of the nickname seemed to help her manage to get the answer out. “Step-dad…” she muttered, looking down at the ground instead of at him, probably hoping he wouldn’t hear her.

His shoulders dropped a little at her answer- as if it wasn't bad enough already. Obviously he wasn't all that close with his parents but even Orion hadn't tried to pull that with him. "Shit... Tay.." He pulled her into a hug because it was really the only way he knew how to deal with it. He never had been fantastic at comforting people.

"It's worth it." He said softly again, not really realising how unlike him this seemed. "Even if it doesn't stop him... someone needs to tell him this is wrong. He can't keep treating you like this." She hadn't said it but he just knew that this wasn't the first time he'd treated her badly. Still, just when had he gotten so fond of this girl? She was different from all the others.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW #sorry I'm still pmsl at those pics I found

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

"Well it happens, people get bruises in different places…" she responded, knowing this wasn’t the best defense but it was certainly the best that she had. Taylor could tell that he was concerned but she wished he would just drop it, mainly because she didn’t know why he cared so much in the first place.

"No, don’t worry about it." she did her best not to snap at him because she knew he was just looking out for her but she didn’t think any of this concerned him. "And you’re going to be the one to show him what’s what? Don’t kid yourself Aries, besides it isn’t worth it." She didn’t even realize her contradiction as she spoke and gave away that someone had indeed hit her, but he needed to realize trying to go up against her step-dad was the worst idea.

"Of course it's worth it!" Now she'd basically admitted it, he didn't want to let go of the issue. While he was never going to win any awards for being a great person he just couldn't agree to leave a situation alone where someone (especially her) was getting hurt.

"It's better than no one telling him that hitting you is wrong." He hadn't stopped to imagine that it might be someone bigger and tougher than him. Aries was a fighter but he still had limits. Still, getting a few hits in would probably be worth it in his mind. "Who hurt you Tay?" He asked, voice softening a little.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

Crossing her arms over her chest she watched carefully as he set up his shot. It was entertaining seeing how focused he was on it, and when the arrow flew through the air perfectly between the two branches, Taylor couldn’t help but grin with him. She clapped her hands for him and nodded her head, “very nice shot, you have proved that I should not be doubting your skills.”

She was startled when he reached for her chin, squeezing her eyes shut tight and wincing now that she knew that there was no way of physically hiding the bruise from him now that he was staring right at it. Letting out a sigh, Taylor took a small step back and shook her head, “No…it isn’t nice to jump to those kinds of conclusions you know. It’s fine, it’s probably like one of those bruises that you randomly find on your body but you never know where they came from.” Sure she couldn’t physically hide it but lying could possibly help.

"I'm pretty sure I've never found one of those random bruises on my face." He murmured, hand dropping slowly as she stepped back. His eyes were still on the bruise, concerned. As much of a sleazeball he could be sometimes, there were some things he would never stand for and hitting a woman was one of them. Two people fighting was one thing but hitting someone as sweet as Taylor was made his stomach flip, unsettled.

"Seriously Taylor, did someone hurt you?" The concerned tone to his voice was genuine and he stepped in a little closer again, "Cause if they did...." he shook his head, trying not to let anger cloud his head just yet, "That's so wrong and someone needs to show them what's what."

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW #oh Aries you have no idea what you're getting yourself into

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

"Alright, I’ll pick something else for you to shoot at then instead. Though it’s very disappointing that can’t actually be done." She glanced around as they continued to walk, hoping to find something for him to shoot. Looking up at one of the trees not to far away, there were two branches that made an oval shape and she thought if she could find anything good for him to actually hit, maybe shooting through the branches would be goo enough. Taylor pointed up at the two branches she had noticed and said, "up there. Do you think you could get the arrow between those two branches?"

Taylor let out a soft laugh and shook her head, “Will it be like this the entire time?” she asked him curiously. Though she had to admit there was a slight hint of a blush on her cheeks and the compliments were a nice change of pace, especially after having to deal with her step-dad and usual yelling and insults.

"I'm sure I could get my hands on bamboo arrows to show you," He grinned, "Or maybe make them. But I agree, it is kinda sad you can't just do it on the fly." He glanced up at where she pointed and chuckled, "Through the branches? Sure." He studied the oval for a moment before grabbing his bow and an arrow for it. Aries set up the shot carefully, seeming at one with the weapon in his hand and moments later the arrow whistled through the air, soaring through the gap between the branches. Then he turned and grinned at her.

Chuckling softly, he shrugged a little, "Don't think you're gonna stop being cute anytime soon so... yeah, probably." He told her, barely even noticing how easily he'd slipped into a more genuine sort of friendship with her. The flirting was less of a line, somehow. The blush was cute on her cheeks, but then he noticed one side wasn't really fading and might have even been a little swollen? He paused and turned to her, reaching for her chin and tilting her head so he could see it. "Taylor... did someone hit you?"

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

"Well someone is pretty sure of themselves." Though it wasn’t like she doubted he could his capabilities of using a bow and arrow. Even though she had never seen him use it before, she just had a feeling he was good with it. He was carrying it around with him after all, so he must not be bad at it. "Once we get into the woods I’ll find a tough target for you to hit."

She gave a little smile and shook her head at his question, “Never. But it’s really nice here, despite what people usually say about it. Or maybe I have way too much holiday spirit and I’m blinded by how pretty the snow looks.”

"Yeah well when you look at who taught me how to use it... " He shrugged, smirking. Using the bow and arrow had been something he had spent a lot of time on until he'd become an almost perfect shot. "Just don't ask me to split another arrow tail to tip because that's impossible unless you're using bamboo arrows."

Aries shrugged, "I would say I'm biased because this is home and always has been... and I don't hate Twelve but I don't plan on staying here forever so... maybe you are just blinded by how pretty the snow looks. Though it has to compete with you." He said playfully.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW #woot finally replying to get this show on the road

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

Taylor nodded her head, staring at the bow for a little bit longer before looking back up at Aries. She assumed bows and other types of hunting gear wasn’t really uncommon around here, even after the Rebellion, she just wasn’t used to seeing many ‘weapons’ in District Two which was kind of ironic seeing as it used to be a Career district. “Alright, I trust you then, but you need to shoot it at least once so I can see how good you are with it.”

She had paused for a second before softly shaking her head, “No, problems whatsoever, everything was fine, no breakdowns or delay because of snow.” she replied, glancing up at the snow, and reaching her hand out to catch some snowflakes on her bare hand which quickly melted as soon as they touched her skin. Moving her now cool hand up to her cheek, she hoped it would numb down the tingling feeling so she could enjoy this day a little more.

"Sure. You tell me what I'm hitting and I will hit it right on target." He said with a slight smirk. "My grandmother taught me, I'd say I'm a pretty good shot." He commented- because even though she was a grandmother now, Katniss was still an ace with a bow. He knew his father could hunt too, and at first it had made him want to pull away but then he decided he could do better. So he put his all into learning how to handle a bow.

"That's good. You never know." He commented, glancing at her as she reached out to catch the snowflakes. He thought it was cute, though he didn't quite get why she raised her hand to her face. "Have you been to Twelve before?" After all, Raph lived in Four so it's not like she had any reason to come to Twelve.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

She gave him a small smile and playfully pretended to curtsey as he complimented her, “Well of course. Holiday Spirit is my middle name, I need to live up to it.” she told him, hitting the little ball at the end of her santa hat. Glancing over she noticed the bow in his hand and she raised her eyebrow at him curiously, “You brought a bow and arrow with you? Are you sure this is going to be safe?”

Of course she knew she wouldn’t get hurt, unless she got clumsy and fell over roots hidden under the snow. But that would be her own fault, not his. Taylor linked her arm with his, glad that the side of her face that had been hit wasn’t the side he would be seeing. “We shall. Please lead the way to this naturally decorated forest of yours.”

He chuckled at her, both for her question and the way she hit the ball on the end of the hat. "Well, I've never been in any danger out there, but I always got taught to be prepared. So any time I head out there I take the bow and my arrows. You're perfectly safe with me, I promise."

"So you got here alright? No train problems?" He asked, not exactly used to small talk but trying to make some with her. He wasn't really used to spending time with girls he wasn't related to (except Anya but she was his bro.) He lead the way towards the woods, feeling like his description of the forest being 'naturally decorated' had probably been stupid. Too late now. Besides, Taylor was here, wasn't she?

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW

A Day In The Woods || Taylor/Aries

Taylor kept to herself on the train to Twelve, resting her palm against her cheek that was still stinging with pain. It would be pretty difficult to forget about it when all she felt was the burning and knowing that at some point a bruise will start to show. She assumed if a mark did start appearing Aries wouldn’t notice, he had a bit of an ego and something told her he wouldn’t spot it or ask questions because she had agreed to hang out with him.

Finally the train stopped in Twelve and Taylor crossed her arms over her chest as she stepped off, walking around a little bit looking around for Aries. They hadn’t really set up a meeting spot so she hoped that waiting right outside the train station would be a good enough spot. It was a little chilly and there was light snowfall which probably would add to the woods winter beauty.

Aries appeared a few moments later, looking a little less rugged up since he was used to the winter time in Twelve. He'd debated on driving but given they were heading out into the woods... well why bother? He had his bow and arrow with him, more for their safety when they went out there than anything, he had no real plans to hunt with Taylor there. He'd save that for spending time with Anya.

She would find she was wrong about him noticing a mark, though he hadn't seen it yet, just offering her a charming smile. "You look cute. Definitely in the spirit." It was a genuine compliment, though things often were a line coming from him. "Shall we?" He offered her his arm in a perhaps surprisingly polite gesture, so they could start walking.

#p:Taylor #p:ADITW

What? You don’t think I can handle it?

No, no. Of course you can... it's just... Well a lot of girls don't care about going into the woods.

It's a date then.

Well you did just invite me to hang out with you in the woods, so there’s that. Unless that is too long of a wait for you.

I suppose I can hold out.

You're really cool with hanging out in the woods?

#w:Taylor #not surprised that she wants to hang with him #just that she wants to go into the woods

That was actually supposed to be a joke but I guess it didn’t really work out as planned…I’ll have to work on my jokes for next time won’t I?

Guess so... So next time... when's that gonna be?

#w:Taylor #that smile knows next time is soon ;)

Sorry to hear that, well hey if it wasn’t for my mom there wouldn’t be much of a sense of family.

That’s one way of putting it I suppose. He…has his ups and downs but yeah I guess he’s mostly a dick. /chuckles softly/ That definitely doesn’t sound like it will lead to a murder whatsoever.

A murder? Geez, who do you think I am, Jason?

Well, I meant the parents not being at home thing which is kind of sad, you’d think they’d at least try to be around for holidays…

Eh not the greatest, kind of rude which is a bit of an understatement I guess. I’m sure sudden guests that he was unaware of would upset him and he wouldn’t even hide his annoyance like most parents would.

Yeah well.. family isn't all that important to them.

Well.. he sounds like kind of a dick. Maybe you should join me in the woods instead.

That actually really sucks. So does this happen every year? If you don’t mind me asking, sorry I shouldn’t pry.

I would offer you to join me for Christmas but I don’t think you’d enjoy being around my family, well my step dad mostly.

Them hardly being home? That's permanent. Me wandering around in the woods at Christmas? Eh... I don't usually spend the whole day out there but it won't be the first time I've headed out on my own at Christmas time.

Your stepdad? Why, what's he like?

That isn’t what I meant. But yes, please don’t go there.

But you’re getting a judging look from Johanna Mason, who judges everyone. She judges her own family so you should think of it as your initiation into the family. If you’re sure. You’ll know where to find me if you get lonely and need your bro.

Thanks Anya. Bro.

A month? Seriously? They’re out of the house that often? That’s some extra busy lives you got going on over there. At least I can see why you don’t like Christmas…

I'm pretty sure they spend more time out of the house than they do in it. But whatever...

I'll probably just go spend Christmas in the woods. The snow is natural decoration, right?

#w:Taylor #just loling at the teeny bow

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